Spike TV bolsters management team for original programming

Spike TV wants to broaden its appeal, and its answer -- or maybe “manswer” -- is more original, gender-neutral shows.

To that end, the network best known for its young male-oriented fare is bolstering its original programming staff, banking on reality series such as “Ink Master,” “Bar Rescue,” and “Tattoo Nightmares.”

This also means less emphasis on the dude-centric programming.

“The Original Series team’s expansion reflects our ever-continuing goal to create distinctive, bold shows geared toward a more gender-balanced audience,” said Sharon Levy, executive vice president of original series at Spike TV. “We are developing more original series than ever before.”

The network promoted Chris Rantamaki, who helped develop Spike's highest-rated show “Ink Master,” to senior vice president. Rantamaki will report to Levy and oversee the day-to-day department activities related to development and production.